Empowerment Unleashed: Syrian Women’s Triumph Through Theater
The Transformative Power of Theater for Syrian Women
In the heart of London, the Young Vic Theatre hosts a profoundly moving play titled “Queens of Syria,” dedicated to women who have endured loss and exile. This performance transcends traditional theater, serving as a therapeutic journey for Syrian women refugees. It offers a platform for them to share their experiences and find solace through the art of drama.
The Genesis of “Queens of Syria”
The play draws inspiration from Euripides’ anti-war drama “The Trojan Women,” which focuses on women who have lost their husbands in war. The concept for this adaptation emerged during a therapeutic workshop for Syrian refugees in Jordan. Remarkably, the ancient Greek tragedy resonates deeply with these women’s lives, even after 2,500 years.
A Symphony of Voices
The performance begins with a chorus of women lamenting the destruction of Troy. One of the women, Reem, shares her poignant memories:
This is what I felt when I left Syria. I saw smoke rising high into the sky, war scenes, soldiers everywhere. Just like in the play, there is no Troy, only smoke.
Empowerment Through Performance
The women involved in this production are not professional actresses, nor did they ever aspire to be. For them, standing on stage was an unfamiliar experience, but it has become a powerful means of liberation from their burdens and suffering. As one participant shared:
When I left Syria, I didn’t know what to do. This performance gave me confidence and strength. I was able to open up again.
Breaking Stereotypes
Performing on stage is not just a form of expression for these Syrian women; it is also a fight against the misconceptions that refugees are not like other people. War has stripped them of everything they once had: families, homes, neighbors, and streets. They led ordinary lives, working and studying, until everything turned to smoke.
We are not acting; we are telling our stories.
A Crusade of Healing and Awareness
“Queens of Syria” began as a therapeutic program to help women cope with their trauma. Today, it has evolved into a movement aimed at raising awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees and empowering those who have endured tragedy to open up and believe in themselves.
We are not here to entertain the audience. We carry an important message. We are the Trojan women of our time.
Inspiring Strength and Resilience
The production of “Queens of Syria” calls upon all women to find their inner strength and fight for their rights, drawing parallels with the ancient heroines Hecuba, Cassandra, and Andromache—strong women who were willing to die for their homeland. Like these heroines, Syrian women yearn to return home and liberate Syria.
We are the Queens of Syria.
For more information on the therapeutic power of theater, you can visit the Psychology Today website.
